The nurse administers an incorrect dose of medication to a patient. After assessing the patient, the nurse calls the physician to report the occurrence and then notifies the nursing supervisor about the medication error and completes an incident report. The nurse's manager takes a Quality Management (QM) approach. Which of the following is not a principle of QM?

Choice A reason: Telling the nurse she will be fired if her behavior does not change is a final warning and may not be the best initial approach. It can create a hostile work environment and does not facilitate a solution to the underlying issue.

Choice B reason: Confronting the nurse to discuss the issue and initiate problem-solving measures is a proactive approach. It allows the manager to understand the reasons behind the lateness and work with the nurse to find a solution, which could include time management strategies.

Choice C reason: Telling other staff members to cover for the late nurse does not address the problem and may lead to further unrest and resentment among the team.

Choice D reason: Waiting to address the issue at the 3-month probation evaluation delays dealing with the problem and allows the disruptive behavior to continue, potentially affecting patient care and team dynamics.

Choice A reason: While supplies distribution is a logistical function, it does not necessarily reflect the concept of decentralization in the context of leader-follower relationships.

Choice B reason: Purchasing equipment from approved vendors is a procurement process and does not directly relate to the decentralization of decision-making in leader-follower dynamics.

Choice C reason: Decisions made at the executive level represent a centralized approach rather than decentralization, which involves distributing decision-making power.

Choice D reason: This is the correct answer because decentralization in the leader-follower relationship refers to the distribution of decision-making power to those who are directly involved in care delivery. This empowers staff and can lead to more effective and responsive caregiving.